Eugene Laverty scored his third consecutive World Supersport win in Kyalami, South Africa to move to within a point of the championship leader.
Laverty’s fourth success of the season saw him repeat his win at the same track in 2009 and it means that the Northern Ireland star has reduced what was a 24 point championship deficit after the Spanish GP to just a single point.
After wins in Assen, Monza and now Kyalami in consecutive weeks, the Pakalgar Honda rider also became the first man in the 2010 season to win a race starting from pole position.
Even so, Laverty had to overcome a fast start from rival Kenan Sofuoglu, who overtook him very early on, but Laverty fought back to regain the lead by the end of the opening lap.
From there, Laverty steadily increased his lead over the Turk to cross the line more than four seconds ahead of Sofuoglu.
Despite failing to secure first place, Sofuoglu moved to the top of the championship standings after an average display from former leader Joan Lascorz, who managed only an improvement to fifth from his eighth place starting position. It was the first time this season that the Kawasaki rider had not claimed a podium spot.
"Kenan kept me honest for the first half of the race," Laverty admitted. "But my Parkalgar Honda was very good and was managing the tyre well so I was able to push and go for a break in the second half.
"I think at the same time Kenan's tyre was starting to wear which helped. This is my first ever three wins on the trot in any championship and it has been a long time coming.
"It's nice to leave here almost leading the Championship, it is all to play for now in the second half of the season."
Keep up-to-speed with Eugene at Eugene Laverty.com
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